Aim: The aim is to collect data from the hospital information system and medical documentation, analyze it, and present the obtained results for the implantation of a permanent pacemaker at the General Hospital “Dr. Tomislav Bardek” Koprivnica within two calendar years: 2019 and 2020.
Patients and Methods: The retrospective study included all patients in the entire hospital who had a permanent pacemaker implanted. The presented results were obtained by collecting data over the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. Data is grouped according to differentiation in gender, age of the patients, types of pacemakers (single-chamber pacemaker or dual-chamber pacemaker), whether it is the first installation or replacement of an existing pacemaker, list of diagnoses requiring pacemaker implantation, average duration of hospitalization, and methods or types of discharge. No survey questionnaire was designed for this research. Descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel were used in data processing.
Results: 190 permanent pacemakers were implanted as a result of the study. There were 100 men and 90 women among the total. Pacemakers were implanted to the greatest extent in patients over the age of 66 in both years. A total of 125 single-chamber pacemakers were implanted, with 65 patients receiving dual-chamber pacemakers. 87% of patients were hospitalized in the cardiology department. Out of the total number, 16 pulse generator replacements were recorded, whereas the other 174 patients had the first installation of a permanent pacemaker. The most common indication for implantation is complete or total atrioventricular block (grade III). Hospitalization lasts less than 5 days, and patients are discharged for home care. In 2019, no deaths were recorded; in 2020, one death was recorded.
Conclusion: General Hospital “Dr. Tomislav Bardek” Koprivnica records an increasing number of implanted permanent pacemakers. Hospitalization takes less than 5 days. It is mostly implanted in elderly patients, whereas single-chamber pacemakers are more frequently implanted compared to dual-chamber pacemakers. With the quality and conscientious work of all health professionals, the quality care of patients with implanted pacemakers is guaranteed (1-3).